OH&S objectives and planning to achieve them
Plain-language summary
Setting measurable safety goals that flow from your policy and risks, then planning realistically how you will reach them.
What the clause is really asking
Objectives turn good intentions into something you can steer by. The clause wants measurable OH&S objectives consistent with your policy and informed by your risks, opportunities and worker input, plus a real plan covering what will be done, with what resources, by whom and by when, and how you will judge success. The intent is purposeful improvement rather than vague hopes to be safer.
What auditors look for
Auditors check objectives are measurable and tied to actual risks and the policy, not just a copy of last year's. They ask for the plan behind each objective and trace progress against it. They look for leading indicators, such as inspections done or near-misses reported, rather than only counting injuries after the fact.
Typical evidence
Documented OH&S objectives; action plans with resources, owners, timelines and success measures; progress tracking and review records; evidence workers contributed; mix of leading and lagging indicators.
How to comply — recommendations
Set a small number of objectives that clearly link to your biggest risks and your policy, and make each one measurable. Behind each, plan the actions, resources, owners, deadlines and how you will measure success. Include leading indicators you can act on early, not just injury counts. Review progress regularly and involve workers in setting goals they will actually own.
Common nonconformities
Vague objectives that cannot be measured; objectives with no link to real risks or the policy; no plan or resources behind them; only lagging injury metrics with no leading indicators; progress never reviewed; workers not involved.
Related clauses
ISO 9001 6.2; ISO 14001 6.2
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